Rita S Kelly

Rita S. Kelly was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. Rita’s positive spirit and love for family and friends provided her the strength to live life on her terms until she passed away in Denver on May 16, 2025 at the age of 96.

Born on November 9, 1928, in Green River, Wyoming, Rita was the daughter of Emil and Marie Sedlacek. She moved to Denver in 1946 when she entered Barnes Business School. Rita married Jim Kelly in 1950 and remained married for nearly 69 years until his passing. Rita is survived by 3 children, Pat (Kathy), Susan (John Garland), and Dan (Lisa). Rita was preceded in death by three children, Tom (Diane), Mike (Claudette), and Barbi (Pat Tynan), as well as her two sisters Elaine Gruber (Jerry), and Emily Ann Macy (Richard). Mom cherished the many years spent together with Jim, and their shared time with family and friends was filled with love and laughter.

In addition to her children, Rita leaves behind a legacy of 13 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren who were the light of her life. She was a devoted grandmother who found joy in watching her family grow, and her love for them knew no bounds.

A granddaughter lovingly offered the following:

"If you had the good fortune to have met Rita, you know she was the perfect combination of tough and tender. She was clever and had a knack for iconic one-liners. When she asked you questions about your life, she meant them - she wanted to know you. Rita was a delightful storyteller and had a beautiful way of recounting her past - she had stories of hardships and joys, and both were told with honesty and wit. During a visit with Rita a few Mondays ago, a social worker from hospice care came to talk with her. Rita told her, "Life is exactly what I wanted, giving and activity." A life of love. On Mother's Day weekend, I took this photo. A matriarch surrounded by her kids (some biological, some married, but I don't think Rita acknowledged the difference). I love the twinkle in her eye, calm yet proud expression - she did indeed live a life of activity, giving and love. While the Kellys are experiencing an immense loss, heaven is having its best gain. Grandma Rita was a saint among us, and I'm so grateful to have known her, learned from her, and loved her."

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations in Rita's memory be sent to Morgan Adams Foundation, 5303 E. Evans Avenue, Suite 200, Denver, CO 80222 or you can click on the link below:

https://morganadamsfoundation.org/rita-kelly/